The Descendants

Matthew King was once considered one of the most fortunate men in Hawaii. His missionary ancestors who came to the islands were financially and culturally progressive - one even married a Hawaiian princess, making Matt a royal descendant and one of the state’s largest landowners. But now his luck has changed. His two daughters are out of control - 10-year-old Scottie has a smart-ass attitude and a desperate need for attention and 17-year-old Alex is a recovering drug addict.

Warm Bodies: A Novel

R is a young man with an existential crisis—he is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams. His ability to connect with the outside world is limited to a few grunted syllables, but his inner life is deep, full of wonder and longing. After experiencing a teenage boy’s memories while consuming his brain, R makes an unexpected choice that begins a tense, awkward, and strangely sweet relationship with the victim’s human girlfriend, Julie.

I loved listening to R's thoughts, and then hearing how he managed to speak his mind.

Who was your favorite character and why?

M was my favorite character. His humor was a definite plus to the plot.

What about Kevin Kenerly’s performance did you like?

He was quite zombie-like. Great job.

If you could rename Warm Bodies, what would you call it?

Love is not dead

Any additional comments?

I saw the movie first, and the book has some differences. That was ok and to be expected. There were occasions where it was difficult to determine which character was speaking. I will listen again though.

Her Mother’s Hope

Internationally best-selling author Francine Rivers—winner of a Christy Award and the ECPA Gold Medallion—crafts a riveting tale of mother/daughter bonds stretching across decades. Strong-willed Marta leaves Switzerland early in the 20th century and settles in California. Though Marta loves her eldest daughter Hildie, they often clash as they attempt to find their places in the world.

There were places in this book that seemed to drag. While I knew I was being dragged to a certain place and circumstance to set the stage for this legacy of disfunction to unwind, The experience was a little tedious at times.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Marta made me angry. It was difficult to identify with her. I found myself just wishing she would explain herself.

Have you listened to any of Stina Nielsen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

First listen to this reader.

Was Her Mother’s Hope worth the listening time?

I would have to say Yes to that because I have read the sequel and I realize Book 1 was needed for Book 2 to have the impact it did.

Any additional comments?

Do not Listen to this book if you do not intend on listening to the sequel. You will be frustrated if you do.

Breaking Dawn: The Twilight Saga, Book 4

To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare, woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, she has endured a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife to reach the ultimate turning point.

There are many memorable moments so it's hard to pick the most memorable. Perhaps the honeymoon scenes, but don't hold me to that.

Which scene was your favorite?

Oh this is so hard, because I have so many favorites. Perhaps when Bella finds out Jacob has imprinted on Nessie, but don't hold me to that.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There is a lot of humor sewn into the fabric of this story so I found myself smiling a lot of the time during this book. The strongest reaction for me by far was in the final scene when Bella and Edward feel all hope is lost and Bella releases Nessie to Jacob. I cry every time I listen to this scene.

Any additional comments?

This is my favorite book in the series. I intend to listen to this entire series again and again.

One for the Money: A Stephanie Plum Novel, Book 1

You’ve lost your job as a department store lingerie buyer, your car’s been repossessed, and most of your furniture and small appliances have been sold off to pay last month’s rent. Now the rent is due again. And you live in New Jersey. What do you do? If you’re Stephanie Plum, you become a bounty hunter. But not just a nickel-and-dime bounty hunter; you go after the big money. That means a cop gone bad. And not just any cop. She goes after Joe Morelli, a disgraced former vice cop who is also the man that took her virginity....

Where does One for the Money rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not exactly sure where I'd rank it...It is definitely one that I will listen to over and over. That in itself makes it a favorite.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Pretty much. Laughter, excitement, drama,

What three words best describe C. J. Critt’s performance?

pausing... inhaling,,,,exasperating

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laughed and Laughed, then laughed some more.

Any additional comments?

Explanation of C J Critt's performance. Her voices were fine but you could hear loud inhalations like a smoker inhaling and there were extremely long pauses, so long that you would think the book was over. These things detracted from the enjoyment of the book.

Into the Woods: Tales from the Hollows and Beyond

For centuries, the woods have been a pivotal part of the wonder and danger of fairy tales, for once you enter anything can happen. Elves, druids, fairies - who knows what you will find once you dare step into the forest?

And now, New York Times best-selling author Kim Harrison ventures into these mysterious, hidden lands of magic and mystery in her first short-story collection. Into the Woods brings together an enchanting mix of brand-new, never-before-published stories and tales from Harrison's beloved, best-selling Hollows series.

To Win Her Heart

RITA Award nominee Karen Witemeyer is acclaimed for her winning blend of history, humor, and romance. In this heartstirring tale, repentant exconvict Levi Grant comes to Spencer, Texas, in 1887 - hoping to put his past behind him and start out fresh as the town’s new blacksmith. To promote civility, Eden Spencer runs her own lending library, where she discovers Levi’s love of literature. But just as romance begins to bloom, Eden learns of Levi’s prodigal past.

Eclipse: The Twilight Saga, Book 3

As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob - knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?

New Moon: The Twilight Saga, Book 2

For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella ever could have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just beginning.

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